Frequently Asked Questions
Confidant
Is the employer obliged to appoint a confidant?
Where can an employee get help when he/she is pestered at Work?
Is the employer obliged to appoint a confidant?
No. Every employer is obliged to prevent pestering and other unwanted behaviour, via an internal procedure. Therefore, the employer shall elaborate an internal procedure to treat any complaints in consultation with the Committee for Prevention and Protection at Work.
This also involves the employer’s obligation to appoint a prevention consultant specialised in the psycho-social aspects of the work. A confidant may be appointed but this is not compulsory. However, it is advised to appoint a confidant. In this way, any problems and informal complaints shall be dealt with rapidly and without high expenses.
If a confidant has been appointed, the latter forms part of the staff. The confidant shall work closely together with the competent prevention consultant. If no confidant has been appointed, a specialised prevention consultant should be available. (top)
Where can an employee get help when he/she is pestered at Work?
The employee who is confronted with violence, pestering or unwanted sexual behaviour can get help via the internal procedure for pestering at Work. The employee may contact the prevention consultant psycho-social aspects or the confidant. (top)
For any further information, please contact your prevention consultant-occupational physician or your regional IDEWE-IBEVE secretariat.
